P&O Ferries and Irish Ferries to cut freight wait times by 25 per cent

P&O Ferries have confirmed that they have gone live with their ‘Turn-up and Go’ space charter with Irish Ferries this week, following trials during the summer.

Spirit of Britain ferry inspection under way as Dover plans for Easter exodusThis agreement between the two operators is a material step forward on previous space charters, with a first come first served principle at its heart. At peak times ships will always be fully loaded for freight, meaning port clearance times will be up to 25 per cent quicker.

The agreement also lowers the carbon footprint of the cross-Channel route by always fully loading P&O Ferries’ modern fleet, including two best-in-class hybrid vessels that are 40 per cent more efficient.

Dover-Calais is the single largest commercial route servicing the UK and the Continent.

During the trial period, which began on 8th July, more than 12,000 freight vehicles were transferred between the two operators.

P&O Ferries Chief Executive Peter Hebblethwaite said: “Our ‘Turn-up and Go’ service with Irish Ferries promises our freight customers speedier, more efficient passages from Dover to Calais. This is a material step forward on previous space charters, ensuring that capacity is fully utilised, reducing port congestion and minimising the carbon impact of the cross-Channel route. With this agreement and P&O Ferries’ modern fleet, which includes two best in class hybrid vessels, we are setting a new benchmark for the industry – assuring faster and greener journeys and making the Dover-Calais route more competitive.”

The space charter will initially serve freight customers and will eventually expand to include passengers, giving them greater choice over journey schedules, shorter port wait times, and fewer delays if they miss planned crossings, particularly during peak periods.

 

For a freight delivery quotation or to book in your consignment, please click below…

Search Blog by Categories

Sign Up for IFS News Updates

Boost for rail freight as Network Rail cuts prices for new traffic flows

At IFS we like to keep abreast of not just the international sector, but also our UK infrastructure, which after all plays a significant part of the Export / Import journey.

Rail Freight Services – Competitive AlternativeTrain operators have been offered the opportunity to gain discounts on their track access charges by Network Rail in a bid to encourage new business to the railway, particularly freight.

The relevant charges would be waived in full for six months whilst new traffic is being established.

A single freight train can take up to 76 lorries off the nation’s roads, and rail freight itself saves over 1m tonnes of carbon every year, with every train taking the country closer towards Net Zero. It’s not a surprise then that ambitious targets have been set by leaders in Westminster and Holyrood to boost the sector.

While Network Rail’s offer is open to all train operators and types of service that meet the qualifying criteria, the driver behind it was the company’s commitment to support the growth of rail freight. The offer is worth around £1,000 per train circulation (out and back) depending on the length and loading of the trains.

Rail Minister Lord Hendy said: “The rail freight sector plays a crucial role in keeping the country moving, providing a faster, greener and more efficient way of transporting goods. The Government’s policy is to promote and grow the use of freight services across the country and make moving goods by rail the obvious choice for businesses, and this initiative will do just that.”

 

Network Rail’s director for planning and regulation, Paul McMahon, said: “Rail freight is so important not just because it’s environmentally friendly but because it underpins so much of our economy in a sustainable way. But it’s not just words and cutting that carbon that will bring more freight to the tracks and off the roads – haulage is very price-sensitive and by bringing this discount in, we are doing our bit to help our freight customers.”

More than 600 freight trains run in Britain every day, supporting the construction industry, car manufacturing, food, supermarkets, timber and more. Read more from Network Rail >

Related topic: Ambitious target to grow rail freight by at least 75% >

 

For a freight delivery quotation or to book in your consignment, please click below…

Search Blog by Categories

Sign Up for IFS News Updates

Staff Profiles – Introducing… Paul Johnson

Owner and Managing Director, Paul Johnson

Paul Johnson, Owner and Managing Director of International Freight Solutions (IFS)We are pleased to introduce Paul who has been involved with Logistics and International Freight Forwarding for over twenty years. He helped establish Courier Logistics to become one of the largest courier companies in the region before forming International Freight Solutions in 2016.

Paul says “whilst nothing is ever guaranteed in transport, the biggest buzz I get is arranging a shipment from start to finish, fulfilling the client’s requirements and dropping them a line to confirm the delivery is complete. It doesn’t always go to plan of course, but that is where we use our knowledge and experience to help resolve any issues quickly. IFS are here to take that headache away from you!”

Outside of work, Paul’s family life is pretty full on. A young family of 3 boys and 1 girl keeps him on his toes. During the week if he is lucky he gets maybe 1 hour at the end of the day to chill!

Interesting Fact about Paul….

Paul once spent a night in the jungle on the Galapagos Islands having got lost on a trip up a volcano! (This was pre-children).

Always here to help

If you need assistance from a freight forwarder with any shipment, no matter how large or small, we at IFS are always ready to advise on a freight solution. Simply call our friendly and helpful team on: +44 (0) 1709 610 000, or send a message >

 

Our International Courier Services are used by a vast range of business professionals

International Courier ServicesAs Freight Forwarders we have carved out a niche in terms of project managing unusual consignments for transportation to all parts of the globe.

However, did you know that our bread and butter has always come from working with our courier partners around the world. IFS help other businesses to take advantage of our buying power and the discounted rates that we receive.

International Freight Solutions Ltd take every care to ensure our customers save time and money when sending (or returning) a package overseas. We have a wealth of experience in making sure that your consignment make’s a smooth and timely journey. Our booking system is quick and easy and has some very useful hints & tips for completing your Commercial Invoice.

“I actively use this service through work as Paul and the team are always efficient, professional and helpful! I can always reach one of the staff if I have a query and they go above and beyond to sort any problems! A pleasure to deal with from start to finish!.” Maddie

Christmass delivery tips from DHL, an IFS PartnerWhether you require an Express or Economy service, we have developed an efficient booking system and we work with trusted partners with networks all over the world.

As your International Freight brokers we don’t work for the carriers, but we work for you. If you need a quick quote, or you are ready to send your consignment simply visit: International Courier Services >

 

Should you need an International Shipping quotation or have a consignment to book in, please click below…

Search Blog by Categories

Sign Up for IFS News Updates

Google and DHL collaborate on sustainable worldwide shipping

The initiative includes express shipping of Google devices in the Devices & Services business unit across the Americas, Asia, and Europe, and is part of Google’s push towards encouraging existing decarbonization technologies in air cargo transportation.

Our partner, DHL and Google, one of the largest technology companies in the world, have announced a partnership to utilize the DHL Express GoGreen Plus service with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The initiative includes express shipping of Google devices in the Devices & Services business unit across the Americas, Asia, and Europe, and is part of Google’s push towards encouraging existing decarbonization technologies in air cargo transportation.

“Google has a goal to achieve net-zero emissions across our operations and value chain by 2030. Optimizing how we transport Google devices around the world is a key part of this journey,” says Omar Molina, Director of Global Transportation at Google. “That’s why we’re thrilled to collaborate with partners like DHL, who share our passion for Net-Zero. The SAF program is a big step forward in that direction”.

John Pearson, CEO of DHL Express adds: “By deploying SAF across our international network, we are pleased to offer the GoGreen Plus service to our long-standing partner Google. We are confident that this agreement and Google’s meaningful investment will encourage others to take the same initiative and drive the transition to low-emission transportation services using sustainable aviation fuel.”

The dialogue between Google and DHL Express was initiated during the DHL Era of Sustainable Logistics Global Summit held in April 2023, which brought together key decision-makers, thought leaders, and stakeholders to discuss cleaner, greener logistics. Building upon the summit, Google chose to collaborate with DHL Express on a pilot project last June for four months, utilizing SAF. The pilot proved to be successful, leading Google to expand its partnership with DHL Express and adopt the GoGreen Plus service for their future operations. Read more from our partner, DHL >

 

 

For a freight delivery quotation or to book in your consignment, please click below…

An introduction to International Freight Solutions (IFS)

International Freight Solutions (IFS) can arrange Express or Economy services for your Documents, Parcels, Pallets, Part or Full Trailer/Container Loads, either by Road, Ocean, Air or Rail…

International Freight Solutions Ltd is a member of BIFA

The leading body representing the UK International Freight Services industry – The British International Freight Association (BIFA) is the prime trade association for UK registered companies…

Merry Christmas from everyone at International Freight Solutions Ltd

We would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to everyone who has supported us throughout the year. Christmas office hours…

Member of FIATA, the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations

FIATA’s membership is composed of 114 Association Members, overall representing an industry of 40,000 freight forwarding and logistics firms worldwide..

New solution set to decarbonise the UK’s transport-logistics sector

Results announced of a pilot programme delivered to address the environmental impact of empty trucks on roads across the country…

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) by International Freight Solutions

Learn more about a Freight Forwarder by International Freight Solutions. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for…

Smart Freight Centre and FIATA join forces to drive Decarbonisation in Global Transport Logistics

Smart Freight Centre (SFC), a leading global non-profit organisation dedicated to reducing climate impacts in the freight sector…

Freight forwarding goes right back to the 1800’s!

Back in 1836 Thomas Meadows and Company Limited, London began to see the need for this industry with demand for more reliable rail transport…

Logistics giant DP World to boost UK trade with £1bn expansion of London Gateway

Global logistics giant DP World has today announced a £1bn expansion of London Gateway to make it Britain’s largest container port within five years in a boost to the volume and resilience of international trade…

Valued Google Customer Reviews for International Freight Solutions Ltd

A Freight Forwarder who regularly go the extra mile when it comes to customer service. We believe in carving out long term business relationships…

IFS is a member of World Top Cargo Alliance of Freight Forwarders

International Freight Solutions are proud to be part of World Top Cargo Alliance and look forward to many years of fruitful partnership…

Postponement of EU Entry/Exit system “good for business” says Logistics UK

Logistics UK responds to the government announcement that the introduction of BTOM Safety and Security declarations is to be delayed…

Staff Profiles – Introducing… Adam Smith

Adam has racked up more than 20 years knowledge and experience in the freight industry. After working alongside Paul Johnson in the International department at Courier Logistics, Adam joined the new start-up business of International Freight Solutions in 2016…

Shipping a surprise gift TVR sports car from UK to Canada

IFS complete an export which entailed shipping a TVR sports car to Canada, for a dad who wanted the gift to be a surprise for his son…

Search Blog by Categories

Sign Up for IFS News Updates